2023 Best Online Bachelor's in Emergency Management Degrees

Overview of Online Emergency Management

Online emergency management degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. There are also undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. Each degree prepares students for different careers. Those who earn an associate degree can find entry-level work. It is also a valuable degree option for those working as EMTs, firefighters, or police officers, as it can give them an advantage in these careers. At the bachelor's level, graduates will have the opportunity to take on more responsibilities and leadership roles. With a bachelor's degree and several years of experience a professional could eventually be promoted to emergency management director. Those who pursue a master's or doctorate may pursue upper-level management jobs with various organizations and government agencies or teaching at the university level.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Emergency Management

As higher levels of education become the preferred standard for emergency management professionals, those who complete an online bachelor's degree will be more competitive in the workplace than those who stop at the associate level. An online bachelor's degree allows an individual to strengthen their management and administration skills so that they can competently lead teams of first responders in situations like terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Those who want to work in higher management positions will be required to hold a bachelor's degree, at the minimum. Completing this degree typically takes four years and 120 semester credit hours. A high school diploma or GED will be required for admission. Coursework for this program includes classes in crisis management during terrorist attacks, legal aspects and ethics in emergency management, recovery practices, policy, leadership development, hazard mitigation, and others. Those interested in pursuing an online bachelor's degree in emergency management can do so at colleges and universities across the country.

The Importance of Accreditation 

When choosing an online program to attend, an important factor to consider is whether or not the school is regionally accredited. If a school is accredited, it means that an outside, independent organization has evaluated the school and its programs and determined that the institution meets a certain level of academic excellence. There are several reasons why this accreditation is important to keep in mind. First of all, students enrolled in an accredited program will know that they are getting an education which will prepare them for their future career and make them competitive in the job market. Additionally, students are only eligible for federal financial if they attend an accredited school. Credits from accredited schools also transfer more easily, and those who are hoping to secure advanced degrees like a master's or doctorate will likely need to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university in order to be accepted.

Careers in Emergency Management 

There are many career options available in the field of emergency management from EMTs and firefighters to emergency management directors and crisis management consultants. There are emergency management positions available no matter what level of education a person has, from associate to doctoral degrees. For example, those with associate degrees may find entry-level jobs in areas such as law enforcement, firefighting, and other first responder roles. Once an individual has gained several years of work experience and additional education, he or she may be able to find work as an emergency management director. These professionals are the ones who create processes and plans for how to react when different types of emergencies occur, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. They also work alongside government agencies, officials, relief organizations, and others to bring aid to people during and in the aftermath of an emergency. In addition to a bachelor's degree, an emergency management director will need substantial work experience, and may also need to attain various professional certifications, depending on where he or she chooses to work. It is also important for these professionals to work well under extreme stress.

With advanced degrees such as master's or doctoral degrees come more job opportunities. These individuals may pursue work in upper-level management positions and at colleges and universities in a teaching, research, or administrative capacity, and with public policy organizations and government agencies.